Welfare Science

Plant-Based Protein Transition Welfare

How the global transition toward plant-based protein sources can improve animal welfare, and what welfare advocates can do to accelerate it.

Key Facts

Shifting from animal to plant protein significantly reduces the number of animals in the food system
Plant-based protein consumption has grown but remains a small fraction of total protein intake
Processed plant-based meat substitutes have improved substantially in taste and availability
Price parity between plant-based and conventional animal products is a key adoption barrier
Institutional procurement of plant-based options is growing through university and hospital programmes

Welfare Considerations

The transition toward plant-based protein is one of the most important welfare trends globally. Reducing animal product consumption directly reduces the number of animals experiencing welfare harm in intensive production systems. Advocates can support this transition through consumer education, institutional procurement advocacy, and support for food technology that makes plant-based options more accessible and appealing.

What You Can Do

Incorporate more plant-based proteins into your diet
Advocate for plant-based options in your institution's catering
Support food technology companies working to improve plant-based protein quality and price